By the Numbers: #15—Celebrating Schmidt’s Reign of Bruins

The Definitive #15

Some jersey numbers just feel bigger than the rest, and for fans of the illustrious Boston Bruins, number “15” is one of them. That’s because Milt Schmidt didn’t simply wear the number—he turned it into a picture of what Boston hockey should be. Tough. Smart. Competitive. And always team-first. Talk to anyone who grew up watching Schmidt and the stories come quickly, usually with a smile.

The Heart of One of Hockey’s Most Famous Lines

Schmidt made his mark early as the centerman of one of hockey’s most famous lines, skating alongside Woody Dumart and Bobby Bauer. These three weren’t just good—they were a headache for opposing defenses. They played like they shared the same brain, moving the puck with an ease that helped push the Bruins to Stanley Cup wins in 1939 and 1941. Ask older Bruins fans about the line and you’ll likely hear, “They always knew exactly where each other was going to be.”

Cool Fact 1: Famously attached both on and off the ice; Schmidt, Dumart and Bauer lived together in a single room.
Cool Fact 2: In 1939-40, the famous linemates placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in NHL scoring.

A Trophy Case to Match His Tenacity

Schmidt wasn’t just a line driver—he was a league-wide force. In 1939–40, he topped the NHL in points and grabbed the Art Ross Trophy, cementing himself as one of the era’s best playmakers. More than a decade later, he was still going strong, earning the Hart Trophy in 1951 as the NHL’s most valuable player. Not many guys win MVPs into their 30s. Schmidt did, and he made it look natural.

Service, Sacrifice, and a Lasting Legacy

There’s also the part of Schmidt’s story that stretches beyond hockey. He left the league due to World War II; Schmidt enlisted in the Canadian military alongside Dumart and Bauer. And after retuning to the NHL during the 1945-46 season, Schmidt picked up where he left off reuniting with his famous linemates.

Schmidt did not stop contributing after his playing days. Schmidt later coached the Bruins, then moved upstairs to the GM’s office, helping shape the franchise for decades. When Boston retired his number, it felt less like an honour and more like an obvious nod to everything he meant to the team.

Hockey Hall of Fame (Milt Schmidt)

Number 15: The Final Word

For jersey number “15”, Milt Schmidt isn’t just the best—he’s the blueprint for what greatness in that hockey number looks like.